Match book



ay 24, 1938. E. D. EDWARDS 2,118,726

MATCH BOOK Filed May l1, 1936 Inventor Attorneys Patented ay 24, I938 STATE TENT This invention relates to match books of the type now generally resorted to for advertising purposes.

An objectof the present invention is to provide a match book so equipped as to substantially positively require a complete closing of the book prior to the igniting of a match removed therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to provide a match book equipped with a safety feature in such a'manner as not to materially add to the cost of the making of such books.

The invention together with its objects and advantages will be best understood from a study of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a match book embodying the features of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an auxiliary flap carrying a striking surface in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is a sectional 'view of the book with the same in open position and Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 with the book in closed position.

Referring to the drawing by reference numerals it will be seen that for the most part thereof the match book indicated generally by the reference numeral '5, and in accordance with the present invention, is contructed somewhat conventionally consisting of a book member cut from a single sheet of cardboard or other suitable material to provide a back 6 and an integral cover flap I.

The back 6 at its free edge is bent upon itself as at 8 to provide a channel in which are secured through the medium of a staple 9 in a conventional manner the ends of matches I0 formed of paper or other suitable material. The reversely bent part 8 is also extended as at II to provide a lip behind which the free end of the cover flap I is engaged as shown in Figure 4 when the cover flap is in closed position for releasably holding the cover flap in said closed position.

In accordance with the present invention however instead of providing the outer face of the cover flap I with a striking surface as is now conventional I provide a striking surface I2 provided adjacent one end edge of an auxiliary flap I3 which at its free end is folded as at M, and at said end is secured to the inner side of the cover flap I through the medium of a staple I5 or in any other suitable manner. In this connection and as shown in Figures 3 and 4 a striking surface I2 is provided on that side of the auxiliary flap I3 which faces a back 6 of the book.

Also in accordance with the present invention the back 6 of the book at the portion thereof opposite the lip II is slotted or otherwise formed to provide what may be termed a window iii.

The auxiliary flap I3 is of such a length and is secured to the cover flap I that when, and as shown in Figure 3, the cover flap I is in open position the striking surface I2 is disposed above the window I6 out of view and consequently is not easily accessible.

Thus it will be seen that in order to ignite a match Ill removed from the book cover flap I will have to be moved to the closed position shown in Figure 4. As cover flap I moves to said closed position the auxiliary flap I3 moves downwardly or toward the end 8 of the book for bringing the striking surface I2 opposite to and in view through the window I6. Thus with the book in fully closed position the striking surface. I2 is rendered accessible for igniting the match III.

From the above it will be seen that by such an arrangement of parts the match book will have an added safety feature in that the closing of the book 5 will be necessary in order to make use of the striking surface I2 with which the book is equipped for igniting a match removed from the book.

As is now known in the usual structure thereof the striking surface being on the lip II and at the outer side of the lip is accessible whether the cover flap I be in open or closed position, hence such books generally have printed or otherwise provided thereon, and as a precautionary measure, a statement to the effect that the cover should be in closed position before striking the match.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed as new is:-

1. A match book of the character described characterized by having the back of the book provided with a sight window, and an auxiliary flap secured at one end to the cover flap of the book, and said auxiliary flap having at a free end there-' of and on one side thereof a striking surface movable with the auxiliary flap and the cover flap into an exposed position opposite the window when the cover flap is moved to a closed position, and to a position above the window when the cover flap is moved to an open position so as to be inaccessible when the match book is open.

2. In a match book including a back member, an integral cover flap, matches secured to the back member and said back member being provided with a sightwindow, and an auidliary flap slidably positioned between the matches and the back and provided with a striking surface adapt ed to be positioned opposite said window by a 5 movement of the slide flap toward the anchored end of the matches. i

3. A match book including a back member and 

